2012 Honda CR-V Rumored to Get New Optional Engine To Go with New Style

Unveiled this week at the Orange County Auto Show in Anaheim, California, the Honda CR-V "concept," which is believed to be very close to what the production model will look like when it officially bows at the Los Angeles show in November, is also rumored to get another surprising update not originally expected.

The CR-V concept is an evolution of the previous model, which is nearing the end of its five year model cycle. The look has been updated with a three-bar grille, vertically wrapped tail lamps, and pointed rear windows next to an angular D-pillar.

A supplier PDF by Automotive News says that the CR-V will now offer two engines: either the old 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 175 hp and 170 lb-ft, or a new 2.5-liter L-4 with 201 hp and 177 lb-ft. Both engines will be mated to a five-speed automatic transmission that carries over from the last CR-V, as well as the same all-wheel drive system.

The CR-V will make its production car debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November, at which point it will have already begun production: Honda claims production on the 4th-generation CR-V starts this month in East Liberty, Ohio, and Honda will formally put the car on sale in December of this year. It expects to sell around 286,000 copies of the CR-V in 2012.